Tire building apparatus



Jan. 14,1936. w. STATE El AL. V v v 2,028,078

TIRE BUILDING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 21, 1933 9 SheetS Sheet 1 Will 0.51am MeinJerl Lammertse Charles E Gardner Jan. 14, 1936. w 3 T T ETAL I 2,028,078

TIRE BUILDING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 21, 1953 9 ShetQs-Sheet; 2

Will GState Meindert Lammeri'se Charles 15 Gardner Jan. 14, 1936. w, "STATE ET A 2,028,078 I TIRE BUILDING APPARATUS Fil ed Feb. 21, 195:5 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 aw W Jan. 14,1936.-

w.- c. STATE El AL TIRE BUILDING APPARATUS FilediFeb, 21,1953 9 Sheet'g-Sheet 6 'ndert Lammefise M01 film/J65 If. Gardner Jan. '14, 1936. A w, TATE ET A 2,028,078

TIRE BUILDING APPARATUS 'Fild Feb, 21, 1935 9 She'ets-Sheet 8 TIRE BUILDING APPARATUS I v Filed Feb. 21; 1953 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 vvmz/ wto'rlj I M er ammerse /4 7 62 2 165 1. Garclfie2-- Wag Patented Jan. 14, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE I 2,028,078 TIRE BUILDING APPARATUS of Delaware Application February 21, 1933, Serial No. 657,778 r 51 Claims.

This invention relates to apparatus for building tires and it relates more particularly to apparatus to be used in practicing the method of constructing pneumatic tires described and claimed in the copending application of W. C. State, Serial No. 607,133, filed April 23, 1932, now Patent 2,007,909 granted July 9, 1935. Also, this invention is an improvement over the apparatus described and claimed in Patent No. 1,785,659, granted December 16, 1930.

In the aforesaid application there is disclosed a method of building pneumatic tires which comprises broadly making up the different portions of the tire in separate and distinct units, assembling the units in band form in unbonded relation, and then bonding all the bands together in unvulcanized condition in one operation. The apparatus of the present application is adapted more particularly to perform the step, in said method, of bonding all the bands together in unvulcanized condition in one operation, but it will readily be seen that the apparatus is capable of other uses. This apparatus is only generally described and shown in the said copending application and has not been claimed therein.

It is an object of this invention to provide an apparatus that will bond or unite the bands of a pneumatic tire in one operation without tension on the bands.

Another object is to provide an apparatus that will unite the bands of the tire in one operation with uniform and equally distributed pressure, resulting in less air being entrapped in the carcass than was usual heretofore.

A further object is to provide novel pneumatic means for pressing the air out of the tire assembly in one operation.

.A further object is to provide novel means for forcing the air out of the tire assembly by applying a compacting pressure to operate on the as-- sembly progressively from the center to the edges thereof.

A further object is to provide an apparatus which is automatic and continuous in performing'its cycle of operations and which contains features insuring its safe operation.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein we have shown one embodiment of the invention.

Broadly, the invention may be said to comprise an annular chamber having radially movable walls to permit the insertion of an unbonded tire assembly into the chamber and the subsequent withdrawal of the assembly therefrom in bonded condition. Adjacent the chamber, a rotatable turret provided with a plurality of annular drums, is arranged, each drum being provided on its periphery with an inflatable member adapted to receive an unbonded tire assembly. Each drum can be moved into and out of the chamber and, while in the latter, the unbonded assembly is pressed against the walls of the chamber by inflating the member arranged on the periphery of the drum. Thus, the tire assembly is bonded within the chamber and subsequently withdrawn therefrom.

In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the apparatus; Fig. 2 is a plan view, with operating valves omitted;

Fig. 3 is a section taken substantially on line III-III of Fig. 2, with parts shown in elevation;

Fig. 4 is a rear elevation of the chamber with parts broken away and shown in section;

Fig. 5 is a section taken substantially on line V--V of Fig. 2, with parts shown in elevation;

Fig. 6 is a section taken substantially on line VIV'I of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a section taken substantially on line VII-VII of Fig. l, with parts shown in elevation;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged section through one of the operating valves;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged section taken substantially on line IXIX of Fig. 4 with parts shown in elevation;

Fig .10 is a partial sectional view through the section locking means;

Fig. 15 is a partial sectional view showing a portion of a drum with a tire assembly thereon, within the chamber.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings, the numeral l0 indicates an annular base, which preferably is formed hollow as indicated at H and is provided with a flange l2 adapted to receive suitable securing means l3 whereby the base may be secured to a foundation, such as a floor. The base is formed with an integral, hollow, vertical sleeve I4 (see Fig. 3), and-a plurality of strengthening ribs [5 extend between sleeve and the base. A vertical, hollow, stationary shaft I6 is held in the sleeve M by suitable securing means, such as bolts threaded through the sleeve and into the shaft. The upper extremity of the sleeve is provides a bearing surface which receives a roller bearing l9 arranged below a rotatable turret indicated as a whole by the numeral 20.

As shown in Fig. 3, the turret is provided with a vertical, hollow, sleeve portion 2| which is enlarged adjacent its lower end as indicated at 22 to properly receive the bearing I8. Also, an annular flange 23 is formed on the lower extremity of the sleeve 2|, and securing means, such as bolts 24, secure this flange to a rotatable alining plate 25; A packing ring 26 is arranged between the alining plate and the sleeve It. This alining plate is provided with a plurality of notches 21 (see Fig. 7) to aline the turret in selected positions, as will be later more fully understood. In the present instance, three of the notches 2"! are provided and they are arranged approximately 120 degrees apart.

Means are provided for entering either of the notches and holding the turret in fixed position. As shown, this means comprises a bell crank lever pivoted at 28 to a projecting lug 29 formed integral with the sleeve M. The upper arm 39 of the bell crank lever is arranged whereby its upper extremity will fit within the notches 27 and a spring 3| is arranged between the base M and the arm 3% to urge the latter normally into proper position within one of the notches 21. The lower arm 32 of the bell crank has secured thereto one end of a foot pedal 33 and the opposite end of the latter is extended whereby it may be engaged by the operator of the machine. With the construction described it will be obvious, that the bell crank will be held in either of the notches 21 by the spring 3|, but when the foot pedal 33 is depressed, the lever will be moved out of engagement with the notches.

The body portion of the turret 20, in this instance, preferably comprises an integral, box-like, hexagonal structure 35 and a plurality of strengthening ribs 36 are arranged between this body portion and the sleeve 2|. A perforated cover plate 31 is arranged on the body portion and is secured thereto by means of bolts 38, or the like. This cover plate is formed with a hub 39 provided with a cut out portion 48 which receives a ball bearing ll the inner surface of which rests on a shoulder 42 formed on the stationary shaft It. The hub 39 also is provided with a suitable packing ring 43.

At its upper extremity, the stationary shaft lt' is threaded to receive a lock nut '44 and a bearing cover 45 is arranged outwardly of this shaft and nut. A flange 46 of the bearing cover is suitably secured to the hub 39 by means of bolts 57 or the like. Secured to the bearing cover 45 is a rotatable distributor housing 58 provided with a plurality of large openings 49 and a plurality of small openings 59 and 5| respectively. In this instance, there are three each of the openings 49, 50 and 5|, which are arranged in groups of three, approximately |2U degrees apart, with each group of openings arranged substantially as shown in Fig. 3.

A stationary distributor 52 is arranged within the housing 48 and the skirt portion of the distributor is fitted in the end of the shaft MS, a suitable shoulder being provided in the housing to receive the upper end of the skirt portion. The body portion of the distributor extends through the housing and the neck of the distributor is threaded to receive lock nuts 53 which secure the distributor within the housing without preventing rotation of the latter. If desired, a washer or dust cap 54 may be arranged between the housing and the nuts 53. The distributor 52 is provided with a large port 55 which is adapted to communicate at one end with one of the openings 43 in the housing, while the opposite end of this port is connected to a high pressure conduit 56. Ports 5'? and 58 also are provided in the distributor to communicate at one end with the openings 50 and 5| respectively, while the opposite ends of these ports are connected to conduits 59 and 60 respectively.

It will be apparent from the foregoing description that the turret is mounted for rotation and that the distributor housing will rotate with the turret, but the distributor remains stationary and permits the 'passage of fluid into the openings 59, 5!) and 5| of the housing when a group of these openings becomes alined with the ports 55, 5? and 53. It will be recalled that the notches Z! in the alining plate also are spaced approximately 29 degrees apart and the arrangement is such that when any of the notches is engaged and held in position by the bell crank lever, one group of openings t9, 5!! and 5| will be alined with the ports in the distributor. In this manner, the various groups of openings in the housing will successively be brought into alinement with the distributor ports as the turret is rotated.

As best shown in Fig. 2, the turret is provided with six walls, but this number may be increased or decreased, as desired, and three of the walls are provided with openings which receive bearing bushings 6| and 62 respectively, while each wall opposite the walls receiving these bushings is provided with openings receiving bearing bushings 63 and 64 respectively. Spaced pairs of horizontal guide members 65 and 66 are slidably mounted within these bushings as clearly indicated in Fig. 2 and the outer end of each guide member is provided with a stop member 61 which serves as a safety means to prevent movement of the guide members beyond the stops, although ordinarily, in actual practice, the movement of these members does not require the use of the stops. The forward ends of the respective pairs of guide members are connected to a crosshead 68 in any suitable manner, such as by a pin 63 extending through alined slots in the respective members, as shown in Fig. 2.

As more clearly shown in Fig. 3, a cylinder 69 extends through each crosshead t8 and into an opening 10 in the turret wall between the bushings 6| and 652. These cylinders .are mounted for movement with the crossheads. Obviously, three cylinders are provided, but as they are substantially the same in construction, a description of one will suffice for all. Each of the cylinders 63 serves as a shaft for a drum rigidly secured thereto and indicated as a whole by the numeral H. Each drum is formed with an outer spider 72 secured to a hub 13 which may be fixedly secured to the cylinder 69 in any suitable manner. Also, each drum is provided with an inner spider l5 secured to a hub 15 which also may be fixedly secured to the cylinder in any suitable manner.

Each drum is provided with an annular rim 16 having outwardly extending flanges 1'! adapted to receive the sides of an annular inflatable member 78, preferably formed of flexible material, such as rubber reinforced with cord fabric, or the like. The inner surface of this inflatable center thereof for a purpose a threaded stem 80, permitting the passage of member may be secured to the rim in any desired manner, such as by cement.- Each inflatable member has a crowned outer surface 18 which is provided with a thin portion 19 adjacent the to be described, and

fluid into and out of the inflatable member, ex-

,..-t'ends through the rim and is secured thereto by a nut 8|. 4

Each inner spider hub is provided with a flange 82 to which is secured a flange 83 of a spacing collar 84. The latter collar also is provided with a flange 85 which is secured to a flange 85 of the crosshead 68. Forwardly of each crosshead 58 a securing collar 81 is arranged on the cylinder 69 and a set screw 88 or the like secures this collar to the cylinder.

At the outer end of each cylinder 59, a closure plug 89 is threaded thereinto and a conical or tapered opening 90 is provided in each plug for a purpose to be described. The inner end of each cylinder has a threaded closure member 9I secured thereto which is'provided with a central aperture receiving .a stationary piston rod 92. A

piston head 93, provided with one or more piston rings 94, is secured to the outer end of each piston rod and the inner ends of the latter extend through a support 95 formed integral with the turret body. Lock nuts 96are threaded on the inner end of each piston rod to secure it properly in position. Each closure member 9| is provided with an apertured boss. 91 receiving a threaded packing gland 98 surrounding the pistonrod.

It will be noted that each piston rod .and head is provided with a central passageway 99 communicating at one end with the interior of the cylinder outwardly of the piston head. The opposite end of each passageway 99 communicates with a conduit 500 which leads to one of the small openings 59 in the distributor housing 48. Each piston rod also is provided .with an annular passageway I arranged outwardly of the passageway 99 and communicatingat one end with a conduit I92 leading to one of the small openings in the distributor housing, while'the opposite end of the passageway IOI communicates with a port I03 in the piston rod the interior of the cylinderinwardly of the piston head. Also, a flexible conduit I04, communicates with each large opening 49 in the distributor housing and the stem 80 ofeach inflating member.

It will be apparent that each drum 1| and cylinder 69 is mounted for horizontal reciprocating movement. When fluid is admitted through the conduit I00 to the outer face of the piston head, the drum and its associated parts will be moved to the left of the position shown in Fig. 3 and when fluid is admitted through the conduit I02 to the inner face of the piston head, and released from the conduit I00, the drum will return to the position shown in Fig. 3. i

Referring to Figs. 1, 2, 4, 5, '1 and 9, the numeral I05 indicates abox-like frame which is open in the front and partially closed in the rear by an apertured plate I05, a plurality of strengthening ribs I01 being used to reinforce this frame, and a plurality of cut away portions being provided in the sides and top of the frame to reduce the weight thereof. Base flanges I06 are provided on the frame andsecuring means, suchjas bolts. I01, may be used to secure the frame to a foundation, such as the floor. Mounted for radial movement inthe frame are a plurality of sections indicated as a whole by the numeral I08 which leads to ('seF'igQ5) andthese sections form a chamber in which the drums H are successively received. In this instance, three sections I08 are utilized, but it will be obvious that any desired number may be used. Each section I08 comprises an outer portion I09 and an inner portion IIO secured to the outer portion by means of nuts and bolts as indicated at III, the inner portions being cut out as shown at II2 to reduce the weight thereof. Each outer portion I09 is provided with an integral lug I I3 to which one end of a piston rod H4 is pivotally secured as indicated at I I5. The outer end of each piston rod H4 is provided with a piston head II6 movable within a cylinder II1 cast integral with or suitably secured to the frame I05. As shown in Fig. 5, the lower cylinder I I1 is secured between a partition I I8 in the frame, and the base of the latter; while the upper cylinders II1 project outwardly from the frame. Each cylinder II1 receives conduits H9 and I leading respectively to the inner and outer ends of the cylinders.

Each section I08 also has one end of a rack bar I2I pivoted thereto as at I22 (see Figs. 4, 5

is smaller in size than the plate I26 and is held in position by bolts I29 secured between the two plates. In order that these plates I26 and I21 will be spaced apart properly, a spacing collar I30 (see Fig. 6) is arrangeclon theshaft I25. A nut I3! is threadedon the outer end of the shaft I25 with a. washer I32 arranged between this nut and the plate I26, while the inner end of shaft I25 is provided with an enlarged conical or tapered surface I33 adapted to fit into the opening 90 of the cylinder plug 89 when any of the drums 1! are in the chamber, in order to insure proper centering of the drum in the chamber. Each of the bolts I29 carry rollers I34. rotatably mounted thereon but fixed against longitudinal movement. As clearly shown in Figs. 4 and 5, each roller I34 is engaged by the side of a rack opposite to the teeth in order to hold the rack teeth in mesh with the pinion teeth at all times. With the pinion and rack arrangement as described, it will be apparent that the movement of the sections I98, inwardly or outwardly, will be uniform at all times.

To guide the chamber sections during their radial movement, each portion I09 is provided with enlargements I35 which receive the threaded inner ends of guide rods I36 (see Fig. 9). These guide rods are provided on their outer extremity with stop members I31, and the lower rods, shown in Fig. 9, are slidable through suitable guide ways I38 into pockets I38 arranged in a partition I59 extending transversely across the lower portion of the frame I05. The guide rods I 35 associated with the two upper sections of the chamber extend through the frame into bosses I40 arranged on opposite sides of the upper cylinders II1 (see Fig. 4).

The inner surface of each portion H0 preferably is provided with fabric I4I cemented or otherwise suitably secured thereto and dowel pins I42 are providedon one end of each portion I I0 to be received in suitable openings in the opposite end of the next adjacent similar portion when the sections are-moved together, as will readily be understood.

Referring again to Fig. 9, adjustable side rings or bead engaging flanges I43 are arranged on the sides of the chamber sections, these rings being sectional and commensurate in size with the chamber sections. The inner surface of each ring is curved substantially as shown at I44 to receive the bead portions of a tire band assembly which is inserted into the chamber. held in place by a plurality of bolts or pins I45 which have one end threaded into the rings I43 while the opposite ends extend into bosses I46 formed on the sections I88. Each boss I46 has a tension stud I41 threaded thereinto and the inner end of each stud engages one end of a spring I48 the opposite end of which extends into an opening I49 formed in the pin I45. A look nut I59 is threaded on the stud I41 to properly hold the elements in position, and the adjustability of these side rings is believed to be apparent without further comment.

In order to securely lock the chamber sections after they are moved together, one end of each portion I99 is provided with a plurality of integral, spaced, hollow, locking lugs II, while the other end of each portion I99 is provided with similar lugs i52 (see Fig. the lugs being arranged in interfitting relation (see Fig. 9), when the sections are brought together. Each lug slidably receives a tumbler I53 provided with a peripheral groove I59, and as clearly shown in Figs. 5 and 11, each lug is provided with an apertured boss I55 receiving a threaded stud I59 which engagesa spring I51 acting against a ball I58 receivable in the groove I54 of the tumblers. When the tumblers are in unlocking position within the lugs, as illustrated in Fig. 10, the springs I51 in each lug will urge each ball I58 into a groove I59 to hold the tumblers against accidentally sliding out of the lugs, but the balls l 58 will not prevent intentional movement of the tumblers under a sustained pressure, such as is used in locking the lugs. The outermost lugs EEI are slightly larger than the remaining lugs and cylinders I59 and I 99 respectively are formed therein, by closing the ends of these two lugs with apertured heads 51 having packing glands I92 threaded therein, through which rods I63 and I89 respectively are slidable. These rods are secured to the outermost tumblers I53 and the latter serve as pistons in a manner to be described.

A switch actuating member I 95 is secured to the outer end of each rod I93 to actuate a switch arm I89 of an electric switch I61 (Figs. 4 and 5), each arm I68 being provided with a roller I88 to facilitate movement thereof after engagement by the member I95. It will be noted that a similar switch 28? having an arm 268 and roller 268 is carried by plate I21, and theiunction of these various switches will be fully explained later. A

. conduit I89 communicates with the cylinder I59 and a similar conduit I18 communicates with the cylinder I89. I

In Fig. 9 we have shown the chamber sections in closed relation and the tumblers I53 have been moved to the right by the admission of fluid to the cylinder I89, which movement securely locksthe sections together until fluid is released from the cylinder I90 and admitted to the cylinder I59.

In Fig. 12 we have shown diagrammatically the means for effecting the operation of the various parts of the apparatus. A plurality of diapbragm valves I1I, I12, I13, I14, I15, I16 and I11 These rings are are provided and as these valves are substantially identical, a description of one will suflice for all. Accordingly, in Fig. 13 we have shown valve I1I as being provided with a dome I18 having a conventional flexible diaphragm I19 arranged therein. The diaphragm is engaged by a rigid head I80 on valve stem I8I and the dome is supported by downwardly converging supports I82 which are secured to a tubular upper branch I83 of a three way valve body I84. This valve body also is provided with tubular branches I85 and I88 in coaxial alinement with each other and at right angles to branch I 83. Also a downwardly extending tubular branch I81 is provided in coaxial alinement with the branch I83. A partition I88 is provided in the valve body and an opening I89 is arranged therein through which the stem IBI extends. However, the opening I89 is slightly larger in diameter than the stem in order to permit the passage of fluid through this opening under certain conditions. The lower end of the valve stem MI is provided with a valve head I90 which is adapted to seat against the lower edges of the opening I99 when the valve stem is up, and against the upper edges of an opening I9I arranged in the entrance to branch I81, when the valve stem is down. The latter stem normally is urged upwardly by .a spring I92 and downward movement of the stem is attained by admitting fluid to the dome through a conduit I93, as will be understood.

The numeral I94 designates .a cam box and timing mechanism which will be more fully described later. A pressure storage and supply tank I 95, adapted to receive .and store fluid under a pressure of from 25 to 35 pounds per square inch, supplies .fluicl to the cam box I94 through a conduit I96. Conduits I91, I98, I99 and 290 lead from the cam box to conduits 20I, 202, 203 and 284 respectively, which lead to the domes of the valves I1I to I11 inclusive. Pressure gauges I91, I98, I99 and 200' are arranged in conduits I91, I98, I99 and 200 respectively to indicate the amount of pressure in these conduits at all times.

A supply manifold 205 also communicates with the tank I95 and conduits 206, 201 and 208 are connected between the manifold 205 and branch I85 of valves I1I, I13 and I respectively. Conduits 209, 2) and 2H connect conduits 206, 201 and 208 respectively to branch I81 of valves I12, I14 and I16 respectively.

An exhaust manifold 2I2 also is provided and conduits 213, 2I4 and 2I5 are arranged between exhaust manifold 2I2 and branch I81 of valves HI, I I3, and I15 respectively. It will be noted that-valves I12, I14 and I16 are arranged oppositely from the remaining diaphragm valves and branch I85 of these three valves appears to the right thereof instead of to the left as viewed in Fig. 12, while branches I86 01' these valves likewise appear on the left instead of on the right. Accordingly, conduits 2I8, 2I1 and 2I8 are arranged between manifold 2I2 and branch I86 of valves I12, I14 and I16 respectively.

Referring now to valve I1I it will be noted that conduit 60 leading to cylinders 69 inwardly of the piston heads 94 is connected to branch I85 of this valve, while conduit 59 is connected to branch I85 of valve I12. As a result of these connections it will be apparent that when fluid passes through conduits I91 and I into the domes of valves I1] and I12, the valve stems I8I thereof will be depressed and communication will be had between branches I85 and I86 of the two valves while branch I81 will be shut ofi. Consequently fluid from manifold 205 will pass through conduit 206 into branch I86 of valve HI, and. out of branch I85 of the latter valve into conduit 60, to bring the drum 1| substantially to the position shown in Fig. 3. While the drum is moving to this position any fluid in the cylinder in front of the piston head 94 will exhaust through conduit 59, branch I85 of valve I12, branch I86 of the latter valve and conduit 2 I6 to exhaust manifold 2I2. Reversing the operation of the valves I'll and I12, when pressure on the diaphragms thereof is released, valve stems I81 will return to their upward position, thus closing off branches I86 of the valves and permitting communication between branches I85 and I81 thereof. Therefore,

fluid will flow from manifold 265 through con duits 206 and 209 into branch 31 of valve I12, through branch I85 of the latter valve into conduit 59, thus directing fluid to the cylinders 69 in front of the piston head therein, causing the drum to move into the chamber adapted to receive it. At the same time fluid will exhaust through conduit 69, branches I85 and I81 of valve I1! and conduit 2 I3 to manifold 2 l2.

Referring now to valve I13, it will be noted that branch I95thereof receives a conduit 2I9 which communicates with conduits I leading to the outer end of cylinders H1, while branch I85 of valve I14 has a conduit 220 connected thereto and leading to conduits H9 which are connected to the inner end of cylinders H1. By virtue of these connections, when fluid passes through conduits I98 and 292 to the domes of valves I13 and I14, valve stems I8! in the latter will be depressed permitting passage of fluid through -manifold 205, conduit 201, branches l86 and I85 of valve 513, conduits 2 I9 and I28 to the outer end of cylinders H1 to move the pistons H6 inwardly, whereby the chamber sections will be moved together. As the pistons I6 move inwardly fluid will be exhausted through conduits H9 and'220, through branches I85 and I86 of valve I14 and through conduit 2I1 into exhaust manifold 212.

When the action of valves I13 and I14 is reversed, pressure on the diaphragms thereof is released and valve stems I8I are permitted to take their upward position. In this position, fluid will pass from the manifold 205 through conduits 201 and 2H1, through branches I81and I85 of valve I14, through conduits 220 and H9 to the lower end of cylinders I I1, thereby separating the chamber sections. As the pistons H6 move outwardly, fluid will exhaust through conduits I29 and 2I9, through branches I85 and I81 of valve 113, through conduit 2M to manifold 2I2.

Next considering valve I15, it will be observed that branch I85 thereof is connected to a conduit 22I which communicates with a conduit 222 leading to conduits I19 which communicate with cylinders I60. Likewise branch I85 of valve I16 is connected to a conduit 223 which leads to a conduit 225 having connected thereto conduits 159 which communicate with cylinders I59. When fluid passes through conduits I99 and 293 to the domes of valve I15 and 116 the valve stems therein will be depressed and fluid will be permitted to flow from manifold 205 through conduit 298, through branches 7 eration of valves I15 and I86 and 5850f valve I15, through conduits 22!, 222 and I16, into cylinder I55 to move the locking lugs into locking position. During this movement, any fluid in cylinders. 559 will exhaust through conduits I59, 224, 223, branches I85 and I86 of valve I16 and conduit 2i9tomanifold 2I2. A reversal of the op- I16 willrelease the as valve 233. Electric conduits236 pressure on the diaphragms thereof and permit the valve stems to rise, thus permitting the passage of fluid from manifold 205 through conduits 208 and. 2| I, through branches I81 and.- I85 of valve I16, through conduits 223, 224, and I69, into cylinders I59 to return the locking lugs to their normal position whereby the section cylinders may be separated. During the return movement of the locking lugs, fluid in cylinders I60 will exhaust through conduits I10, 222, 22I, branches I85 and I81 of valve I15 and conduit 2 I 5 into manifold 2I2.

Referring to valve I11, it will be noted that conduit 56 leading to the inflatable member on the periphery of the drum is connected to branch I85 of this valve. Branch I86 of this valve is connected to a conduit 225 leading to a high pressure storage tank 226 in which fluid under relatively high pressure, for example from 150 to 200 pounds per square inch, is received and stored.

Branch I81 of valve I11 is connected to exhaust manifold 2I2 by conduit 221. When fluid passes through conduits 200 and 204 into the dome of valve I11 to depress the valve stem thereof, high pressure fluid will pass from the tank 226 through conduits 225, branches I86 and I85 of valve I11 and conduit 56 into the inflatable member 18. As soon as pressure on the diaphragm of valve I11 is released, the high pressure fluid will return through conduit 56 into branch I85 of valve I11 and will exhaust through branch I81 of the latter valve into manifold 2I2 by way of conduit This high pressure fluid is not to be admitted to the inflatable member until the chamber sections are locked securely around the member, but in order to keep the inflatable member sufficiently inflated to properly receive a tire assembly placed thereon, it is desirable to admit fluid from tank I95 into the inflatable member before the drum the latter valve will be fully explained later. A;

hand valve 230 may be arranged in the conduit 228 to control the amount of fluid permitted to be passed through conduit 228. Leading from the valve 229 to conduit 56, is a conduit 23I and a pressure gauge 232 preferably is arranged in this conduit to ascertain at all times the amount of pressure passing through conduit 23I into the inflatable member.

In the manifold 205, an electrical safety valve 233 is arranged between the conduits 206 and 291 whereby the supply of fluid to conduits 201 and 298 is prevented unless this safety valve is open. Valve 233 preferably is of a standard solenoid type and is connected by electric conduits 234 to switch 261 located at the rear of. the drum receiving chamber. Theswitch arm of the latter switch is adapted to be moved by any of the drums H, to close a circuit permitting the passage of electric current through valve 233 to open the latter. Any suitable connections (not shown) may be used to complete the circuit through valve 233,

as will readily be understood.

A second electrical safety valve 235 is arranged in conduit 204 leading to the diaphragm in valve H1 and valve 235 preferably is of the same type are connected between valve235 and conduits 231 leading to thethreeswitches I61. The arms of the latter switches are operated by the members I65 to close a circuit permitting electric current to pass V the operation of the apparatus.

Turning now to Fig. 14, we have illustrated the interior of the cam box I94 in order better to describe the starting and timing mechanism of the apparatus. It will, of course, be understood that we do not limit ourselves to the specific starting and timing mechanism shownand that any other suitable mechanism may be used, if desired. The conduit I96 leading from supply tank I 95, supplies fluid under pressure to manifold 238 which is connected to valves 239, 249, 24 I, 242 and 243. Valves 249, 24E, 242 and 243 are connected respectively to conduits I91, I98, I99 and 299, while valve 239 is connected by conduit 244 to an air blast directing member 245, the purpose of which will be later described.

Valve stems 246, 241, 248, 249 and 259 of valves 239, 249, MI, 242 and 243 respectively, are adapted to be operated by a vertically reciprocating substantially U-shaped member 25I formed with an upper horizontal arm 252 and a lower horizontalarm 253, the latter arm being somewhat longer than the upper arm. Arm 253 is provided with spaced valve actuating members 254, 255 and 256, arranged in stepped relation whereby upon upward movement of the arm 253, member 254 first will engage valve stem 248 to open valve 24L Continued upward movement of arm 253 will result in valve 24I remaining open, while member 255 engages valve stem 249 to open valve 242. Both valves 24I and 242 then remain open while member 256 engages valve stem 259 to open valve 243. Therefore, when arm 253 reaches its limit of upward movement all three valves 24I, 242 and 243 will be open and these valves will have opened successively. In returning arm 253 to its ,lowermost position, obviously these valves will close in the reverse order,rthat is, valve 243 will close first, then valve 242 and lastly valve 24I.

Arm 252 will, of course, move vertically with arm 253, and the former is provided with spaced valve actuating members 251 and 258 also arranged in stepped relation with the former slightly longer than the latter. When am 252 is in its uppermost position, members 251 and 253 will be free of contact with valve stems 241 and 249 and valves 249 and 239, therefore, will be closed. During downward movement of arm 252, members 251 and 258 will engage stems 241 and .249 successively to open valve 240 and 239. From the foregoing it will be apparent that valves 239 and 249 can be open when valves 248, 249 and 259 are closed and that when the latter valves are open the former valves can be closed. The

stepped relation of member 251 and. 258 will be discussed further in describing the operation of the apparatus.

Means are provided for vertically reciprocating the valve actuating member 25I and in this instance, the latter has a bracket 259 secured to the closed end, thereof, to which a depending knife blade 299 is secured. This blade is engaged bya projecting arm 26I of an oscillating roller cam following arm 21E while the upper end of the lever is widened as at 212 and provided with an opening 213. It will be observed that lever 219, roller 262 and projection 29!, form in effect a bell crank arrangement which fulcrums on pin 263 whereby when lever 21 is moved between the dotted and full lined positions in Fig. 14, projection 26I will move in an accurate path thereby positively moving member 25I upwardly. Downward movement of the latter member will be effected by gravity assisted by the action of a flat spring 214 arranged adjacent the top of the member 25L A pair of spaced flat springs 215 are arranged below member 25I to assist in resiliently supporting the latter but the force of these springs is not sufficient to prevent downward movement of the member in the manner d scribed. Obviously, downward movement of member 25! also tends to move lever 219 toward its dotted line position, and conversely, movement of the lever toward this position will permit controlled downward movement of member 25!.

The numeral 216 indicates an electric motor, preferably secured to a wall of box I94 as shown at 211 and the shaft 218 of this motor has a pinion 219 mounted for rotation therewith. Pinion 219 meshes with gear 289 mounted on a shaft 28I and the latter gear also meshes with a gear 282 mounted on a cam shaft 283. One or more cam discs 284 are carried on shaft 283 whereby a plurality of lobes 285 are provided on the disc or discs to be engaged by the cam follower 21 I. Also meshing with gear 289 is a smaller gear 286 mounted on shaft 291 and the latter gear in turn meshes with a pinion 288 on a shaft 289. The latter shaft has a fluid operated paddle wheel 29!) mounted thereon for a purpose to be described.

A conduit 395 is connected between conduit' between motor 216 and a fluid operated switch 293 whereby when the latter switch is closed an electric circuit is completed tothe motor to start the latter. The switch 293 may be of any suitable type and in the present instance, we have illustrated a well known bellows operated type which comprises a housing 294 having a bellows 295 mounted for vertical movement therein. Operatively connected to the bellows is a pair of switch arms 296 which are movable into and out of circuit closing relation with a pair of contact points 291 and a spring 293 is adapted to normally urge the arms 295 into contact with points 291 when the bellows is not compressed. The switch is operated whereby air enters the housing from conduit I91 through conduit 299 and compresses the bellows thereby breaking the contact between arms 296 and points 291 and consequently breaking the electric circuit. A conduit 399 leads from conduit 299 to a starting valve 395 'which normally is closed but which may be shown the motor and switch connections to a source of electric current, it will be apparent that any desirable means may be utilized for this purpose.

The operation of the apparatus is as follows:

An unbonded tire assembly, preferably, but not necessarily, formed in accordance with the disclosure in the aforesaid pending application is mountedon each of the drums H and the turret 20 is rotated until one of the drums reaches a position in alinement with the drum receiving chamber. The position of this unbonded assembly on a drum is substantially as shown'in Fig. 3, wherein it will be seen that all of the bands have not been turned around the bead portions of the assembly. The correct position of each drum with respect to the chamber is assured by virtue of the alining notches 21 which receive the arm 39 of the foot operated lever and maintain the turret in fixed position until arm 30 is moved out of securing position. As before stated, when lever 30 is in any one of the notches 21, ports 55, 51 and 58 of the distributor 52 will be properly alined with a set of openings 49, 50 and of the housing 48 to permit the passage of fluid when the proper valves are open, into the cylinder 69 and inflatable member 18 associated with the drum 1I that is alined with the receiving chamber. The remaining drums 1|, not being in proper position, will not be affected by the operation of the drum that is in alinement with the chamber. As soon as lever arm 30 is secured in a notch 21, valve 229 (see Figs. 8 and 12) will be opened to permit the passage of fluid fromsupply tank I95 through conduits 228 and 2.3l into conduit 56 leading to inflatable member 18 of the alined drum, hand valve 230 being operated toregulate the amount of air passing into the inflatable member. As tank I95 contains air only of a pressure up to 25 or 35 pounds per sq. in., the pressure admitted to the inflatable member at this time is sufficient only to fill out the inflatable member to proper contour to correctly hold the unbonded tire assembly whereby the latter will properly be engaged by the chamber sections when they are brought together.

At this time the cam disc 284 is in a position whereby the inclined surface of the first lobe 285 is engaged by the outer end of the follower 2H which together with the remaining parts of lever 210, occupy a position slightly beyond the dotted line position of Fig. 14 and toward the full line position thereof. Valve actuating arms 252 and 253 are in positions whereby valves 239, 2, 242 and 243 are closed while valve 240 is open.

Valve 240 being open, fluid will pass from supply tank I95, through conduit I96, manifold 238, valve 2 50, conduits I91 and 20I into the domes of diaphragm valves HI and I12 respectively.

This permits the passage of fluid from manifold 205 through conduit 206, valve HI and conduit 60 to maintain the alined drum 1! in its innermost position as shown in Fig. 3.

As long as pressure is present in conduit I91,

' it will be supplied to conduits 299 and 300 and consequently switch arms 296 will be held out of engagement with contact points 291.

With the elements in the positions. stated, the apparatus is started by depressing button 302 to open valve 30!. This button may be located whereby the operator may press it with either a foot or a hand, but preferably it is located so he I may step on it with a foot. Opening valve 30I relieves the pressure on the bellows 295 and permits spring 298 to urge switch arms 296 into contact with points 291, thereby starting motor 216. By virtue of the gearing utilized, rotation of the motor shaft will rotate the cam disc 284 in a counter-clockwise direction thereby causing the several cam lobes to successively engage follower 2H and urge the lever 210 intermittently toward the full line position in Fig. 14. This position will be reached when the outer surface of the outermost cam lobe has been contacted by the follower and thereafter the remaining cam lobes will control the return of .lever 210 to its dotted line position.

As the cam disc beginsto rotate, the follower will move off the inclined surface of lobe 285 onto the outer surface of this lobe and will move lever 210 a short distance toward its full line position, thereby moving member 25I upwardly a short distance. The mechanism is constructed whereby this upward movement of member 25l is suflicient to move member 251 out of contact with valve stem 241, thereby closing valve 249 to cut off the pressure in conduit I91. As soon as the pressure in the latter conduit is cut off as stated, it will be apparent that starter button 302 may be released by the operator, as the spring in switch 293 then will maintain the electric circuit closed to the motor until pressure again is admitted to conduit I91.

Release of pressure in conduit I91 also will relieve the pressure on the diaphragms of valves Ill and I12, permitting stems I8I of these valves to rise, thereby allowing fluid to pass from manifold 205, through conduits 206 and 209, valve I12, conduit 59 into cylinder 69 of the alined drum to move the latter and the cylinder horizontally into the receiving chamber. As the drum moves into the chamber, fluid will exhaust through conduit 60, valve HI and conduit 2I3, into exhaust manifold 2I2. Valve 240 will remain closed until, in the cycle of operation, it becomes necessary to open it again.

The drum is centered properly in the chamber by virtue of the conical or tapered opening 90 in plug 89 which receives the conical or tapered end I33 of shaft I25. When the end of this shaft fits snugly within the opening, the drum is centered correctly and in reaching this centered position a portion of the drum spider 12 will have moved arm 260 of switch 261 to open electrical safety valve 233. This safety valve cannot be opened unless the drum is properly centered, so that incorrect use of the apparatus is notpermitted, as no fluid will pass to conduits 201 and 208 unless the safety valve is opened.

Continued rotation of cam disc 284 brings the next cam lobe into contact with the follower and thereby raises member 25I an additional short distance. This further upward movement of member 25I is sufficient to cause member 254 to actuate stem 248 and thus to open valve 2 admitting pressure to conduit I98. Admission of pressure to the latter conduit acts on the diaphragm of valves I13 and I14 to lower the stems I8I of these valves, permitting the passage of fluid from manifold 205, assuming, of course, that safety valve 233 is open, through conduit 201, valve I13, conduits 2I9 and I20 into the outer ends of cylinders I I1, thereby moving the chamber sections radially inwardly to closed position surrounding the drum and tire band assembly mounted thereon. During inward movement of the chamber sections, fluid will exhaust from cylinders I I1 through conduits I I9 and 220, valve I14 and conduit 2l1, into exhaust manifold 2I2. Before the chamber sections have been moved together, the bead engaging flanges I43 will have been adjusted to properly receive the beads of the tire assembly and upon coming together the dowel pins M2 of 'each section fit snugly in the openings provided for same whereby a' complete substantially annular chamber is formed surrounding the tire assembly. The position of the drum and tire assembly within the closed chamber is shown in Fig. and it will be noted that the rings or flanges I43 press the edges of the bands around the bead portions of the tire, while the tread band fits snugly against the chamber walls.

Valve 2 3i will remain open as long as it is necessary to keep the chamber sections together and the next cam lobe on disc 284 will move member upwardly sufficiently to open valve 222 and admit pressure to conduit I99. When pressure is admitted to this conduit, the stems E8! in valves H5 and H6 will be forced downwardly to permit fluid to pass from manifold 295, through conduit 268, Valve I1 5, conduits 22L 222 and HG into cylinders I60, thus moving the tumblers I53 into locking position shown in Fig. 9, During this movement of the tumblers, fluid will exhaust from cylinders 959 through conduits M9, 224 and 223, valve H6 and conduit 2H3 into exhaust manifold 2| 2. When locked, it will be apparent that the chamer sections must remain together until the locks are released. As before stated, each of the tumblers I53 in cylinders I59 has a switch actuating member l 65 associated therewith and when the tumblers properly move to locked position,

the members 565 will actuate the arms 566 of each of the three switches I61 to open the electrical safety valve 235 in'conduit 204. The hookup of the switches I61 preferably is such that allof these switches must be closed before safety valve 225 can open and unless all the locking tumblers properly are in locked position the switches cannot be closed. This arrangement therefore insures complete locking of the chamber sections before any high pressure fluid can be admitted to the inflating member 18.

As rotation of cam disc 284 continues, the outmost lobe next engages the follower and moves member 25l further upwardly causing member 25% to engage stem 25%! thus opening valve 2&3 to admit fluid under pressure to conduit 20B. Pressure in the latter conduit will act on the diaphragm of valve "1, assuming, of course, that safety valve 235 is open, to force valve stem 58! downwardly, whereby high pressure fluid will pass from the high pressure tank 226, through 'conduit 225, valve I11, conduit 56 and the remaining passages into the inflating member 18 to expand the latter. The expansion pressure preferably is from to 200 pounds per sq. in., and in practice we find it desirable to use a pressure of 150 pounds per sq. in. As previously stated, the thinnest portion of each member 18 is located approximately in the center of the outer wall thereof and this construction insures initial expansion of the member at the center. As a consequence, when the high pressure fluid is admitted to the member 18, a compacting pressure will be initially exerted radially outwardly substantially at the center of the tire assembly, pressing the center of the latter against the chamber walls. After expansion at the center of the assembly, the compacting pressure operates progressively thereon from the center to the edges of the assembly, thereby forcing substantially all of the air therefrom and effectively uniting or bonding the components of the tire together in one operation without tension.

This compacting pressure preferably is exerted for approximately three seconds during which time, the follower will have reached the end of the outer surface of the outermost cam lobe, from which the follower will begin to move back toward its dotted line position in Fig. 14. In returning, the follower first moves onto a lobe imilar to the lobe which effects the opening of valve 242. Naturally, when the follower moves oif of the outermost lobe, the member 25! will be lowered sumciently to close valve 243, thereby cutting off the flow of high pressure fluid to the inflating member i8. As soon as valve 2&3 is closed, stem 585 of valve l1! wilhrise thereby permitting the high pressure fluid to exhaust through conduit 56, valve Ill and conduit 221, into exhaust manifold 2l2.

As the cam disc continues to rotate, member 25E will move downwardly closing valve 242 which will reverse the fluid action on the locking tumblers H53 and return them to unlocked position. Further downward movement will close valve 2 which will reverse the flow of fluid in cylinders H to separate the chamber sections. At this point in the cycle of operation the cam follower will be riding on the outer surface of the last lobe, which is indicated by the numeral 285". As the follower reaches a point substantially midway of the inclined surface of this last lobe, member 25! will be lowered sufliciently to open valve 2&6 and admit pressure to conduit l8? which will reverse the operation of the drum H and cylinder 63 and retract same from the chamber.

Also, the admission of fluid to conduit l9! will operate the bellows switch 293 to break the electrical circuit therethrough and stop motor 216. When the motor stops, the inertia of the moving parts is sufficient to rotate the cam disc 234 far enough to permit the cam follower to pass off the inclined surface of lobe 285" onto the innermost surface 286 of the cam disc. As the follower moves from the middle of the inclined surface of lobe 285" onto surface 284' the member 25! will be lowered sufliciently to permit member 258 to engage stem 246 to open valve 239. With the latter valve open, fluid is admitted to conduits 244 and 305. From conduit 2% fluid passes into the air blast directing member 2 35 and against paddle wheel 2% to rotate the latter, thereby continuing rotation of the cam disc, by virtue of the gearing associated therewith, until the first cam lobe 285' is aagin brought adjacent the cam follower. As soon as the follower reaches a. point about midway on the inclined surface of lobe 285' the member 25l will have raised sufliciently to close valve 239, thus shutting off the flow of fluid to the paddle wheel and bringing the mechanism to a complete stop.

If it were possible at this time for the follower to continue on up the inclined surface of lobe 235' onto the outer surface thereof, it will be apparent that the apparatus would start on a new cycle, but a positive stop for the mechanism is provided by the pin 308. When valve 239 is open, fluid in conduit 3B5 passes into cylinder 30'! and forces pin 308 outwardly into the opening N3 of lever 210, the latter being approximately in the dotted line position of Fig. 14 when this pin is operated, whereby the pin and. opening are alined with each other. With the pin in this opening it will be obvious that movement of the lever 210 from its dottedline position toward its full line position is prevented except fora slight movement permitted by virtue of the play of the pin in the opening due to the fact that the latter is slightly larger than the pin. While the follower is in contact with surface 284' of the cam disc, pin '308 is substantially concentric with opening 213, but as soon as the follower starts up the inclined surface of lobe 285', the follower and lever 21!! start to move toward their full line position and it is this movement that is arrested as soon as the pin engages the wall of opening 213, substantially as indicated inFig. 14.

Pin 308 therefore, brings the follower to rest substantially midway of the inclined surface of lobe 285' and it will be remembered that when the latter reaches this position, valve 239 closes, thus relieving the pressure on pin 308 and permitting the spring in cylinder 301 to retract the pin whereby a new cycle may be initiated by pressing the starter button 302. g

After the cycle of operation has been completed, foot lever 33 is depressed to disengage arm 30 from notch 21 to allow the turret to be turned manually until the next drum is brought into alinement with the receiving chamber. It will be observed by reference to Fig. 8 that valve 229 will close when lever 33 is depressed thus shutting off the flow of fluid to the inflation member of any drum andaccordingly valve 225 will remain closed until arm 30 again is improper position in oneof the notches 21. ,The bonded tire assembly may be removed from its drum, given a toroidal shape, and vulcanized in the usual manner.

It is believed to be apparent that we have pro.- vided an apparatus well adapted to accomplish its purposes and to simultaneously bond together the elements of an unvulcanized tire assembly without tension. The operation of the apparatus iscontinuous after the starting button has been pressed and many of the features of the device plurality of spaced tire band receiving drums reciprocally mounted on said turret, means for successively locking each of said drums in alinement with a single drum receiving chamber, and means for reciprocating each drum only when it becomes alined with said chamber.

2. In tire building apparatus of the character described, in combination, a stationary support, a rotatable support mounted thereon, a plurality of non-reciprocating pistons mounted on said rotatable support, a reciprocating cylinder coacting with each piston, a tire band supporting member mounted for movement with each cylinder, means for successively alining each of said band supporting members with a receiving chamber therefor, and means for reciprocating the cylinder of each member when it becomes alined with said chamber.

3. In tire building apparatus of the character described, in combination, a rotatable turret, a plurality of non-reciprocating pistons mounted on said turret, a reciprocating cylinder coacting with each piston, a tire band receiving drum mounted for movement with each cylinder, means for successively locking each of said drums in alinement with a drum receiving chamber, and means for reciprocating the cylinder of each drum when it becomes alined with said chamber.

4. In tire building apparatus of the character described, in combination, a frame, a plurality of movable arcuate sections mounted in said frame, means for moving said sections radially to form a substantially annular chamber the walls of 6. In tire building apparatus of the character described, in combination, a frame, a plurality of movable arcuate sections mounted in said frame, means for moving said sections radially to form a substantially annular chamber the walls of which are defined by said sections, and means separate from said moving means for insuring simultaneous movement of said sections, said last-named means including racks connected to each of said sections and meshing with a common'pinion. l a

'7. In tire building apparatus of the character described, in combination, a frame, a plurality of movable arcuate sections mounted in said frame, means for moving said sections radially to form a substantially annular chamber the walls of which aredefined by said sections, means for insuring simultaneous movement of said sections, and' means for guiding said sections in their movement.

8. In tire building apparatus of the character described, in combination, a frame, a plurality of movable arcuate sections mounted in said frame, means for moving said sections radially to form a substantially annularchamber the walls of which are defined by said sections, means for insuring simultaneous movement of said sections, and means for locking said sections together after the chamber is formed.

9. In tire building apparatus of the character described, in combination, a frame, a plurality of movable arcuate sections mounted in said frame, means for moving said sections radially to form a substantially annular chamber the walls of which are defined by said sections, means for insuring simultaneous movement of said sections, means for guiding said sections in their movement, and means for locking said sections together after the chamber is formed.

10. In tire building apparatus of the character described, in combination; a frame, a plurality of movable arcuate sections mounted in said frame, and means automatically first to move said sections simultaneously radially to form a substantially annular chamber the walls of which are defined by said sections, and then to lock said sections together.

11. In tire building apparatus of the character,

described, incombination, a frame, a plurality of arcuate sections mounted in said frame and movable radially to form a substantially annusaid sections.

lar chamber the walls of which are defined by said sections, and anadjustably mounted arcuate flangecarried on each side of each section. 12. In tire building apparatus of the character described, in combination, a frame, a plurality of movable arcuate sections, a cylinder for each section carried by the frame, a piston slidably ,mounted in each cylinder, a piston rod connected between each piston andoneof the sections, guidesarranged on each section and mov- ;able in guideways formed in the frame, and means for actuating said pistons to move said sections radially to form a substantially annular chamber the walls of which are defined by said sections. 13. In tire building apparatus of the character described, in combination, a frame, a plurality of movable arcuatesections, a cylinder for each 'section carried by the frame, a piston slidably mounted in each cylinder, a piston rod connected between each piston and one of the sections, means for actuating each piston to move said sections radially to form a substantially annular chamber the walls of which are defined by said sections, and means for locking said sections together after the chamber is formed. 14. In tire building apparatus of the character described, in combination, a frame, a plurality of movable arcuate sections, a cylinder for each section carried by the frame, a piston slidably mounted in each cylinder, a piston rod connected between each piston and one of the sections, means for actuating each'piston to move said sections radially to form a substantially annular chamber the walls of which are defined by said sect-ions, and means separate from said actuating means for insuring simultaneous movement of said sections. 15. In tire building apparatus of the character described, in combination, a frame, a plurality of movable arcuate sections, a cylinder for each section carried by the frame, a piston slidably mounted in each cylinder, a piston rod connected between each piston and one of the sections, means for actuating each piston to move said sections radially to form a substantially annular chamber the walls of which are defined by said sections, means for insuring simultaneous movement of said sections, and means for looking said sections together after the chamber is formed.

' 16. In tire building apparatus of the character described, in combination, a frame, a plurality of arcuatesections mounted in said frame and movable radially to form a substantially annular chamber the walls of which are defined by said sections, a toothed arm carried by each of said sections, and a pinion having teeth in constant mesh with the teeth of each of said arms whereby to insure simultaneous movement of 1'7. In tire building apparatus of the character described, in combination, a frame, a plurality of arcuate sections mounted in said frame and respectively,

movableiadially to form a substantially annular chamber the walls of which are defined by said-sections, a plurality of bosses carried on each side of each of said sections, an adjustable spring pressed pin arranged in each boss, and anarcuate flange secured to the pins of each section 18. In tire building apparatus of the character described, incombination, a frame, a plurality of arcuate sections mounted in said frame and movable radially to form a substantially annular ace-aces chamber the walls of which are defined by said sections, spaced interfitting lugs arranged on ad- 'acent ends of said sections respectively, and a tumbler in each lug movable whereby a portion of each tumbler will extend into the next adjacent lug after the chamber has been formed to lock the sections together.

19. In tire. building apparatus of the character described, in combination, a frame, a plurality of movable arcuate sections mounted in said frame, and fluidoperated means for moving said sections radially to form a substantially annular chamber the walls of which are defined by said sections and for locking said sections together after the chamber hasbeen formed.

20. In tire building apparatus of the character described, in combination, a frame, a plurality of movable arcuate sections mounted in said frame, fluid operated means for moving said sections radially to form a substantially annular chamber the walls of which are defined by said sections and for locking said sections together after the chamber, has been formed, and mechanical means for insuring simultaneous movement of said sections.

21. In tire building apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of spaced movable arcuate sections, a reciprocating tire band supporting member, means for moving said member into a position substantially centralized with respect to said sections, means for moving said sections together to forma continuous wall around said member, and means for locking said sections together.

22. In tire building apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of spaced movable arcuate sections, a reciprocating tire band supporting member, means for moving said member into a position substantially centralized with respect to said sections, means for moving said sections together to form a continuous wall around said member, means for locking said sections together for a predetermined length of time, means for unlocking said sections, means for separating said sections, and means for returning said member to its initial position.

23. In tire building apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of spaced radially movable arcuate sections, a reciprocating tire band supporting member, means for moving said member into a position substantially centralized with respect to said sections, means for moving said sections together to form a continuous wall around said member, means for locking said sections together for a predetermined length of time, means for unlocking said sections, means for separating said sections, means for returning said member to its initial position, and means automatically and successively operating all of said other means.

24. In tire building apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of spaced a radially movable arcuate sections, a reciprocating tire band supporting member having an expansible outer surface, means for moving said membersintoa position substantially centralized with respect to said sections, means for moving said sections together to form a continuous wall around said member, means for locking said sections together, means for expanding the outer expiration of said time, means for separating member being thinned out at the center thereof said sections, and means for returning said member to its initial position. i

25. In tire building apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of spaced movable arcuate sections, a reciprocating tire band supporting member having an expansible outer surface, means for moving'said member into a position substantially centralized with respect to said sections, means for moving said sections together to form -a continuous wall around said member, means for locking said sections together, means for expanding the outer surface of said member for a predetermined length of time while the sections are locked together, means for unlocking said sections at the expiration of said time, means for separating said sections, means for returning said member to its initial position-and means automatically and successively operating all of said other means.

26. A combination as recited in claim in which means are provided to prevent movingtogether of the sections to form a continuous wall the elements simultaneously,

unless the band supporting member is properly centralized with respect to the sections.

27. A combination as recited in claim 25 in which means are provided to prevent expansion of the outer surface of the band supporting member unless the sections are properly locked together.

28. A combination as recited in claim25 in which means are provided to prevent moving together of the sections to form a continuous wall unless the band supporting member is properly centralized with respect to the sections, and in which means are provided to prevent expansion of the outer surface of the band supporting member unless the sections are properly locked together.

29. In tire building apparatus of the character described, in combination, a chamber having an inner face conforming in shape and size to'the outer face ofa bonded tire band, means including an inflatable member for supporting assembled but unbonded tire band elements in said chamber, and means for applying a compacting pressure in said member to force said elements against the inner chamber face whereby to bond said inflatable member having its thinnest portion at the center of its outer surface for insuring the operation of the pressure progressively from the center to the edges of said elements.

30. In tire building apparatus of the character described, in combination, means including a member having an expansible surface for supporting assembled but unbonded tire band elements, 2. surface encircling said elements and conforming in shape and size to the outer face of a bonded tire band, and means for inflating said member to force the unbonded elements against the encircling surface to bond the elements together simultaneously by a compacting pressure, said expansible surface being formed with its thinnest portion at the center thereof whereby the pressure applied to the elements will operate thereon progressively from the center to the edges of the elements.

' 31. In tire building apparatus of the: character described, in combination, means including a member having a flexible, expansible outer surface for supporting assembled but unbonded tire band elements, and means for bonding said elements together by forcing them against an unyielding surface by a compacting pressure in said expansible member, the outer surface of said whereby the pressure applied will operate progressively from the center to the edges of the elements.

32. A drum of the character described having an inflatable outer surface formed with its thinnest portion substantially at the center thereof.

33. A drum of the character described having a flexible, expansible outer surface formed with its thinnest portion substantially at the center of said surface.

34. A drum of the character described having an inflatable member arranged on its outer periphery, the outer surface of said member being formed with its thinnest portion substantially at the center thereof.

35. A drum of the character described having an expansible surface, said surface being formed with its thinnest portion substantially at the center thereof.

36. In tire-building apparatus of the character described, in combination, a frame, a plurality of movable arcuate sections mounted in said frame, means for moving said sections radially to form a substantially annular chamber, the walls of which are defined by said sections, and means separate from said moving means for insuring simultaneous movement of said sections, comprising a member directly connected to each section and an equalizing member connected directly to each of said first members for equalizing the amount of movement of each of said first members and consequently of said sections.

37. In tire-building apparatus of the character described, in combination, a frame, a plurality of movable arcuate sections mounted in said frame, fluid-operated means for moving the said sections inwardly to form a substantially annular chamber, the walls of which are defined by said sections, and means for locking said sections together after the chamber has been formed.

38. In tire-building apparatus of the character described, in combination, a frame, a plurality of movable arcuate sections mounted in said frame, fluid-operated means for moving the said sections inwardly to form a substantially annular chamber, the walls of which are defined by said sections,' and means for locking said sections together after the chamber has been formed, comprising interfitting lugs on adjacent sections having openings aligned with each other when said sections are in their operative positions, at least one of said openings having a tumbler therein mounted for movement into an adjacent opening in an adjacent section for locking said adjacent sections together.

39. In tire-building apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of spaced movable arcuate sections, a reciprocating tire band supporting member having an expansible outer surface upon which a tire band is to 'be positioned, means for moving said member into a position substantially centralized with respect to said sections, means for moving said sections together to form a continuous wall around said member, means for locking said sections together, means for expanding the outer surface of said member, and means for preventing movement of said sections together to form a continuous wall unless the band-supporting member is properly centralized with respect to. the sections.

40. In tire-building apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of spaced movable arcuate sections, a reciprocating tire band supporting member having an expansi- 

